The Executive Secretary of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, has said that the Lagos State Government remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicate all forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation.
Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi restated the commitment in her welcome address at a “One-day Engagement with Baales on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence” held last Thursday at the Conference Hall of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Olowopopo Street, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to her, “Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicating all forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation.
“As part of this effort, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency continues to pursue proactive, inclusive, and community-based strategies such as today’s engagement to address these pressing issues.
“Baales, as custodians of culture and gatekeepers of our grassroots communities, you occupy a uniquely influential position. You are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help, redress, or counsel when violence occurs in your communities. “Your voice can either silence victims or empower them. “Your actions can either sustain a harmful status quo or transform your communities into sanctuaries of safety and justice” she stressed.
Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi remarked that the presence of the traditional monarchs at the engagement was not only a testament to their commitment to peace and justice within their communities but also a powerful symbol of the integral role that traditional leadership plays in the ongoing fight against sexual and gender-based violence in our society.
The DSVA explained that the engagement “is not just a meeting, it is a collaborative step towards creating safer communities for our women, children, and indeed, every resident of Lagos State.
“Baales, as custodians of culture and gatekeepers of our grassroots communities, you occupy a uniquely influential position. You are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help, redress, or counsel when violence occurs in your communities. Your voice can either silence victims or empower them. Your actions can either sustain a harmful status quo or transform your communities into sanctuaries of safety and justice”, she stressed.
She explained that the objective of the engagement with the traditional rulers was to deepen their understanding of the various dimensions of sexual and gender-based violence, while also exploring the vital role you can play in prevention, early intervention, and survivor support.
“We believe that with your support, we can shift mindsets, challenge harmful traditional norms, and foster a culture of zero tolerance for violence.”
She encouraged the traditional leaders to share their perspectives, ask questions, and commit to being champions of this noble cause.
She expressed belief that together, they can “build a Lagos where dignity, respect, and safety are the norm—and where survivors are no longer shamed or silenced, but supported and empowered.”
Head, Field Operations of the DSVA, Mrs Kemi Bello, told the traditional heads of the Lagos Communities to desist fron settling SGBV cases in their palaces as this has been responsible foir the current trends in the society, explaining further that sometimes the victim grow old and become sex addict because of the manner the case was handled at the local level which usually left them traumatised.
“Baales should stop interfering in domestic violence cases especially rape. It is beyond you as Baale. Cases of domestic violence should not be treated at home but should be referred to the DSVA. It is for the government to take over or you bring the case to DSVA”.
Mrs Bello advised men to stop beating their children as this doesn’t make for good relationship nor are they setting good example for them.
She advised mothers to watch out when adolescents play with their children as most of them are pedophiles sexually attracted ro female children.
She also disagreed with views expressed that some girls dressed immorally, stating that the mode of dressing of a girl should not be a reason for rape, stressing that rapists are usually not mentally stable.
Executive Co-ordinator, Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, Mrs. Foluke Ademokun, who in her paper, lamented that SGBV continues to pose a significant threat to safety, health and human dignity, especially within vulnerable communities across the country.
Mrs Ademokun, who represented the Executive Director Gender Equality Advocate, stated further that SGBV is rooted in gender inequality, cultural norms and systemic power imbalances and listed factors that that contribute to its prevalence to include patriarchal societal structures, cultural practices and harmful traditions, lack of education, poverty and economic dependency, weak legal enforcement or lack of access to justice, silence and stigma surrounding abuse.
She said the consequences of SGBV are far-reaching and affecting individuals, families, and society at large.
She listed the consequences on the victim as physical health issues, mental health challenges, social isolation, and economic deprivation while the consequences on families and communities, include broken homes and dysfunctional family units, intergenerational trauma and cycles of violence, reduced productivity and workforce participation and increased healthcare and legal system burdens.
She stated further that SGBV undermines social development and economic progress, hinders girls’ and women’s access to education and opportunities and perpetuates inequality and injustice.
Mrs Ademokun stressed that community and traditional leaders (Baales) are central to the fight against SGBV.
“Their influence can help break the culture of silence by encouraging survivors to speak out, challenge harmful cultural norms that justify or tolerate violence, promote community-based responses to prevent and address SGBV and support victims by facilitating access to services and justice.
Using proverbs for illustration, she advised: “violence in the home escalates and affects everyone; it must be stopped early, that peaceful homes require mutual respect and non-violence.
“It is a taboo for a married elder to pursue a young girl who is not his wife. This frowns upon sexual harassment and exploitation, especially by those in positions of authority.
“It is taboo for a man to beat his wife in public. While this suggests a moral boundary, it can also imply that abuse is tolerated in private, which is harmful.
“Raping a woman is seen as a disgraceful act that curses a man’s future. In some Yoruba communities, rape is considered not only illegal but spiritually defiling, bringing a curse on the offender.
“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is not just a personal issue; it is a societal crisis that demands collective action. Ending SGBV requires awareness, advocacy, legal enforcement, and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships and active involvement of community leaders, we can foster a culture of zero tolerance and create safer environments for all” she stressed.
